In the last few years there is a clear sonic deviation from many symphonic metal bands towards a more pop-oriented direction with mainstream productions. Some choose the aggressive path, others add electronic elements here and there in order to modernize their sound. “Apocalypse & Chill” revealed that direction right from the cover sleeve. As a matter of fact, I’d bet on it! Delain openly flirt with the Amaranthe sound…“why?”, one might wonder! Quite possibly because Amaranthe is the rising star of the day. Whatever the reason might be, Delain is taking one step up and forward with their new album as it was evident that they had been searching lately for a new sonic impetus.
In “Apocalypse & Chill” we are treated with many electronic elements but also with some…breakneck speed tracks. In addition, some lead vocals can be found in the opening song “One Second” by Timo Somers. Delain is winning the bet and the final result (or experiment) is really good and well balanced. It must be noted, though, that there isn’t the obvious hit single on the album but all in all “Apocalypse & Chill” is a tight bunch of 13 songs with a flawless production that fits perfectly with the overall compositional structure.
So…the verdict is that “Apocalypse & Chill” meets the high standards of our times and it’s a remarkable record. As a closing note, I must say that the special edition includes the instrumental/orchestral versions of “Masters Of Destiny”, “Burning Bridges” and “Vengeance”.
